We use cookies to give you the best possible online experience. If you continue, we'll assume you are happy for your web browser to receive all cookies from our website. See our cookie policy for more information on cookies and how to manage them https://www.ssen.co.uk/Cookies/

Latest

In March 2018, SSEN held a town hall meeting in Stornoway with local developers to seek feedback on expected levels of generation capacity via a notice of interest form. If you are a local developer, and would like to share details of your plans with us please fill out the notice of interest form using the link above. Please note that this is not an application for a connection. If you have any queries about the form please contact westernisles@sse.com. Alternatively if you wish to make a formal application to connect please visit: https://www.ssepd.co.uk/Connections/

Project overview

We are proposing to construct a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) connection between the island of Lewis and the Scottish mainland. The Western Isles Connection will be used to transmit electricity generated by renewable developments on the Western Isles to areas of demand around our towns and cities.

The aim of the project is to enable renewable energy to connect to our transmission network.

Why is the project required?

As the transmission licence holder in the north of Scotland we have a duty under Section 9 of the Electricity Act 1989 to facilitate competition in the generation and supply of electricity. We have obligations to offer non-discriminatory terms for connection to the transmission system, both for new generation and for new sources of electricity demand.

The aim of the project is to enable renewable energy to connect to our transmission network. Under our Network Operators Licence this connection should be efficient, co-ordinated and economic, whilst having the least possible impact on the environment.

Project elements

The project is made up of four main elements:

A HVDC Converter and associated Alternating Current (AC) substation at Arnish Point, Stornoway

A HVDC Converter and associated AC substation within the existing Beauly Substation footprint

A HVDC underground cable between Beauly Substation and Dundonnell, on the west coast

A HVDC subsea cable between Arnish Point and the land fall at Dundonnell

Needs Case

•Sets out the need for the transmission connection

•Informed by applications for connection from generators

•Includes a review of the options considered and process to reach a proposed technical solution

•Includes an in-depth Cost Benefit Analysis (undertaken by National Grid)

The data in this map is provided for indicative purposes only and may be subject to change. Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc do not accept responsibility for its accuracy, completeness or validity. The data should not be copied, reproduced or utilised externally without permission.

Investments in projects are made by SHE Transmission plc. Electricity transmission companies are authorised to recover the costs of such investments through 'use of system' charges which are levied by National Grid Electricity Transmission plc on generators and suppliers of electricity. Suppliers recover their costs from all electricity customers. In order to protect the interests of customers, the transmission companies have to demonstrate to the energy regulator, Ofgem (Office for Gas and Electricity Markets) that proposed investments are necessary, are efficient and are economical so that the charges which are ultimately levied on all electricity customers are justified. This means SHE Transmission is subject to a funding mechanism established by Parliament and regulated by Ofgem. Cross subsidies between different businesses in the SSE group is not permitted.

The Scottish Ministers are responsible for determination of applications submitted under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989. Both statutory consultees and members of the public have the right to submit their representations on the application. All representations will be considered by Scottish Ministers in their determination of the application.The Office for Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), as the regulator, has to approve all investment so project proposals are developed under license conditions. Preferred route corridors chosen will comply with revised ‘Holford Rules’ which are the recognised industry approach to routeing overhead lines amended to reflect Scottish circumstances.

SHE Transmission are regulated by the Office for Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), the regulator responsible for representing consumers' interests. Electricity consumer interests are therefore one of our key drivers and this is enshrined in our statutory duties under the Electricity Act. In particular we have a statutory duty to develop, maintain and operate an efficient, economic and co-ordinated transmission system. Since the costs of these projects will ultimately be paid for by electricity consumers, we have a responsibility to take cost into account with due weighting in a comparison against other important factors.

It’s the highest voltage electricity network in the UK – the ‘motorway network’ of the energy world. It transmits large quantities of electricity over long distances via wires carried on a system of mainly metal towers (pylons) and large substations. Transmission voltages in Scotland are 132kV, 275kV and 400kV. Larger generation schemes usually connect to the Transmission system.

The lower voltage parts of the system are called distribution networks. In Scotland, these local networks operate below 132kV whereas in England the distribution network includes 132kV.

Pre-application consultation events

13 Mar 2018 11:15

Great turnout, over 30 members of the public and stakeholders were welcomed at The Cabarfeidh Hotel in Stornoway on Monday to talk to the project team at the pre-application event for the marine cable due to be submitted in April 2018.
Further events are being held at:
The Argyle Hotel Ullapool - Wednesday 14th March 3pm - 7pm
Badcaul Primary School - Thursday 15th March 3pm - 7pm

Pre-application consultation events

09 Mar 2018 13:20

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is proposing to
install a new submarine electricity cable between Stornoway and
Dundonnel to enable the connection of renewable energy.
The project team will be in attendance for this open door event where
members of the community can drop in at any time to receive information
and ask any questions on the proposals.
The Cabarfeidh Hotel Stornoway
Monday 12th March 3pm - 7pm
The Argyle Hotel Ullapool
Wednesday 14th March 3pm - 7pm
Badcaul Primary School Badcaul
Thursday 15th March 3pm - 7pm

Consultation on treatment of non-mainland GB onshore wind projects

31 Jan 2017 09:00

We have today responded to the UK Government consultation on treatment of non-mainland GB onshore wind projects, to read our response please go to the ‘Project documentation’ section of the project website

Project Tender Update

18 Oct 2016 14:49

Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission is currently undertaking a competitive tender exercise for the whole of the project and is working towards identifying a preferred Principal Contractor by the end of March 2017 with the overall project delivery currently anticipated to be by the end of September 2021.

Sign up for project updates

To keep informed of all that is happening on this project, please complete your details below and provide consent to enable us to send you updates via email

For information on how we collect and process your data, please see our privacy notice at www.ssen.co.uk/PrivacyNotice/. If you do not have access to our website, or would like to receive a hard copy, please contact us.

Full Name

Email Address

Consent to receive project updates via email

We would like to send you relevant communications via email, such as invitations to stakeholder events, surveys, updates on projects and future developments from the Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks group listed below. If you are happy to receive email updates, please opt-in by ticking the box. You can unsubscribe at any time by contacting us at unsubscribe@ssen.co.uk, or by clicking the 'unsubscribe' link which will be at the end of each of our emails.

The Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks group comprises Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution Limited, Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc, Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc and Southern Electric Power Distribution plc, all of which will rely on this consent.